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Frigidaire Refrigerator CE Error Code: Communication Fault Between Boards

Quick Answer

Frigidaire CE is a communication fault between the main control board (behind the refrigerator at the bottom) and the display board (behind the front control panel). These boards communicate via a wiring harness. CE triggers when the display board cannot receive data from the main board.

Frigidaire CE is a communication fault between the main control board (behind the refrigerator at the bottom) and the display board (behind the front control panel). These boards communicate via a wiring harness. CE triggers when the display board cannot receive data from the main board. The most common cause is a loose connector on the harness - vibration from the compressor can work connectors loose over time. The second cause is a failed display board ($50-120). Unplug for 5 minutes first. Then access the harness connector at both boards and reseat them firmly. If CE persists, the display board or main board has failed.

FrigidaireRefrigeratorSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–120 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$50 – $200
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Flashlight

What Does the CE Code Mean?

CE = communication fault between main board and display board. Check harness connectors first (vibration loosens them). If persistent, display board has likely failed ($50-120).

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Harness connector loose from vibration40%
Display board failure24%
Main board communication circuit fault14%
Power surge corrupting board firmware12%
Harness wire damaged10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • CE on display (may flash)
  • Display blank or partial
  • Cannot change temperature settings
  • Random display behavior
  • Fridge may still run normally despite CE

Can you reset a Frigidaire refrigerator to clear the CE code?

Unplug for 5 minutes. Most refrigerator error codes clear on power cycle if the underlying issue is resolved.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFlashlightScrewdriver set

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Unplug for 5 minutes

Unplug for 5 minutes. This resets both boards. If CE clears, a transient communication glitch was the cause.

2

Access the harness connecting the main board to the display board

3

If connectors are good, the display board has likely failed

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Frigidaire Display BoardModel-specific · $50–$120
Frigidaire Main Control BoardModel-specific · $80–$200

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $125 (Parts) vs $1900 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

My Frigidaire shows CE but still cools. Is it OK?
Yes, the compressor and cooling system can operate independently of the display board. CE only affects the display and user controls. However, you may not be able to adjust temperature settings until CE is fixed.
CE appeared after a power outage. Is that normal?
Power surges during outage recovery can corrupt board firmware or damage the communication circuit. A 5-minute unplug usually clears transient CE from surges. If it persists, the surge may have damaged a board.
How much does CE repair cost on Frigidaire?
Display board: $50-120 + $80-150 labor = $130-270. Main board (less common cause): $80-200 + labor. If the fix is just reseating a connector, a technician may charge a service call fee only ($80-120).

Related Frigidaire Refrigerator Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Frigidaire shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Models Known to Experience CE Errors

This repair applies to most Frigidaire refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

FFSS2615TS, LFSS2612TF, FGHB2868TF

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026